Vegetarian Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao)
Indulge in the soft, pillowy perfection of Vegetarian Steamed Pork Buns (Char Siu Bao), a plant-based twist on the traditional dim sum classic. This recipe swaps out the pork for a flavorful filling of crumbled tofu and earthy white button mushrooms, seasoned with soy sauce, hoisin, and vegetarian oyster sauce for an authentic umami-packed bite. The dough, made from scratch, is delicately fluffy and a joy to work with, perfectly encasing the savory filling. These buns are easily steamed to tender perfection and are ideal for sharing at a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you're a seasoned fan of Asian cuisine or just exploring plant-based diets, this recipe offers a delightful balance of rich flavors and textures. Perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike, these homemade bao buns are a must-try addition to your recipe repertoire!
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Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 0.25 cup Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 0.75 cup Warm water
- 1 block Extra-firm tofu
- 1 cup White button mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce (vegetarian)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 2 teaspoons Cornstarch
- 0.25 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons Green onions, finely chopped
Directions
Step 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and instant yeast. Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil, kneading until a soft, smooth dough forms. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
Step 2
While the dough is rising, prepare the vegetarian 'pork' filling. Drain and press the tofu to remove excess water, then crumble it into small pieces. Finely chop the mushrooms.
Step 3
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the mushrooms for 5 minutes until soft. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 4
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring well to coat the tofu and mushrooms evenly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the sesame oil and chopped green onions, and let the filling cool completely.
Step 5
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten each ball into a disk about 4 inches in diameter.
Step 6
Place a tablespoon of the cooled filling in the center of each dough disk. Gather the edges of the dough around the filling and twist to seal the top. Place the sealed buns on parchment paper squares.
Step 7
Prepare a steamer and bring the water to a boil. Place the buns in the steamer, leaving some space between them. Cover and steam over medium heat for 10-12 minutes.
Step 8
Carefully remove the steamed buns from the steamer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Vegetarian Steamed Pork Buns warm!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1370.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2640.1 |
| Total Fat 77.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.2g | |
| Cholesterol 1.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3245.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 379.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 24.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 71.0g | |
| Protein 112.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 9.3IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2839.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 30.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2127.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories